In the past, at 9 pm in each of our time zones, there would be a toast given to celebrate our Professor's birthday. In that spirit, I raise my glass to that Good Man.

I bow to the gift he gave us Of himself. Wizard, Master, Ranger, Guide, Elf-lord, King, Hobbit of the Shire. A consummate Storyteller; A conduit for the tale and world Needed in our time; For all time. An escape to a place Not of this earth, But somewhere in the Middle, Where we can rest And be a part of his world That feels like home.